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FIRST ECO-TOURISM CONFERENCE EVER IN VENEZULEA
LABELED A HUGE SUCCESS!
Caracas, Venezuela/September 25, 2002 --Ecoexpoturismo 2002, Venezuela's first ecotourism exposition attracted more than 5,000 national and international visitors including government ministers and senior representatives of the World Tourism Organization.
Held at the Hotel Tamanaco in Caracas, the exposition was opened by Venezuelan Vice Minister of Tourism Wilmar Castro. Gabor Vereczi, a senior official of the World Tourism Organization, assisted in the ceremonies.
Showcasing many of Venezuela's beautiful states -- Bolivar, Mérida, Sucre, Falcon, Vargas and the Los Roques archipelago -- local Venezuelan tourism offices were represented as well as eco-lodges, tour operators and NGO's such as EcoNatura and Fundacion La Salle. There were more than 45 informational and trade show type booths on display.
As Venezuela's government institutions continue with the challenges of restructuring, Eco-Alianza, an organization of companies and NGO's, is taking the initiative by joining together to pool resources for positive change through cooperation inside and outside of Venezuela. They showcased for the first time, the need for such a positive organization and received a lot of interest to join their growing ranks.
Often described as the gateway to South America, Venezuela is an understated eco-tourist's paradise. Angel-Eco Tours' President Paul Stanley states that though the government has, up to this point, been unable to effectively support the promotion of Venezuela as a viable travel and eco-destination to North American travelers, "this event was for many a breath of fresh air. It has really overshadowed all of the political and economic situations that exist today. Just look around, people have come here in droves. It was a true celebration of all that Venezuela has to offer, the camaraderie, spirit and will to succeed was incredible."
Montréal journalist Suzy Moore pinpointed amazing cultural shows provided by dancers and musicians from Vargas, Mérida and Bolivar, as one of the highlights. She had specially traveled to Caracas for the Ecoexpo and described it as "one of the best I have ever experienced on all of my travels ... and I have been all over the world."
Plans area already underway to host an event more than double the size next year and expand the invitees to additional members of the international ecotourism community worldwide. For more information on Ecoexpoturismo 2002, check the official web site at http://www.angel-ecotours.com (Thursday, September 12, 2002).
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For further information contact: Paul Stanley (US) Toll free - 1 (888) 475 0873/4/5 email: Stanley@angel-ecotours.com - Gary Galati email: garygalati@angel-ecotours.com.
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